Community Investment

Whether it’s lending a hand in times of need or contributing to charitable causes, Finning’s investment in communities where we live and work is a core part of who we are. Our commitment has expanded over time, both in terms of the value of our investments and our reach around the world. At the same time, we have been focusing our efforts on one particular global initiative that we believe makes a fundamental difference to our communities and the people who live in them. This initiative is youth-focused STEM education, a community investment strategy that Finning is pursuing globally in concert with leading non-profit strategic partners.

What is STEM and why does it matter?

STEM is the acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Disciplines that produce the engineers, analysts, chemists, biophysicists and other technical and scientific practitioners that help to drive today’s innovation-oriented world.

For today’s youth, STEM training is widely considered the best path to viable, challenging, and rewarding careers. Growth in STEM-based jobs is approximately three times that of non-STEM jobs, and workers who hold STEM degrees enjoy higher earnings and are less likely to experience joblessness.

Communities benefit too. STEM-trained populations make it easier for communities to attract advanced industries and the high-value employment they provide. This in turn helps to support the creation of vibrant and stable economic bases.

But not all youth and not all communities have access to the programs, mentoring and mindset that support STEM-based studies. This is where Finning is getting involved. In keeping with our core purpose to build and power a better world, we are making youth-focused STEM education the central philanthropic focus of our global operations, and we are supporting this initiative both financially and practically.

By partnering closely with leading non-profit organizations in each of our regions, and backing that investment with volunteer support, we are working to level the playing field for youth who might otherwise miss out on the significant opportunities STEM education provides.

Finning Canada and Actua

Finning Canada and Actua

In Canada, Finning has partnered with Actua, Canada’s leading STEM education outreach organization. Finning is supporting Actua’s programming for youth aged 10-16 in Western Canadian communities with a focus on:

National Aboriginal Outreach Program – a community-based program that makes a connection between local traditional knowledge and culture with modern science

National Girls Program – all-girl camps and clubs designed to connect girls to positive female role models in STEM fields

In addition to providing financial support, Finning will work with Actua to leverage the time, skill and expertise of Finning people through volunteering, mentoring and helping develop hands-on learning.

Finning South America and ComunidadMujer

In South America, Finning is partnering with CommunidadMujer, an independent, non-government organization that works to promote greater participation of women in public and the workforce.

Through Finning’s investment, CommunidadMujer will initially focus on working with teachers and school administrators to identify and address the gender biases that can exclude girls from STEM-based vocational paths.

Finning UK & Ireland

Finning UK & Ireland has partnered with STEM Leaning UK to encourage youth and young adults at colleges to consider a career at Finning through getting an education in STEM-focused roles. Finning employees have become STEM Ambassadors, visiting schools to share their experiences and build skills and inspire students with real-world examples of where a STEM career can take them. Click here for a video highlighting our experience with STEM Leaning UK.